Do you dream of discovering Thailand in depth in just one week? The 7-day itinerary through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai is the perfect route for a complete immersion in the culture, history, and natural beauty of this fascinating country. I had the chance to experience this trip, and I can tell you that every day brought a new discovery: the majestic temples of Bangkok, the lush landscapes of Chiang Mai, and the fascinating history of the Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai. This trip Bangkok Chiang Mai Chiang Rai 7 days offers a great balance between cultural visits, jungle hikes, and local experiences. In this article, I’m sharing my detailed opinion on this tour to help you plan your own adventure in Thailand. Whether you're passionate about history, nature, or food, this tour will meet all your expectations and offer unforgettable memories.
I completed a trip
Bangkok Chiang Mai Chiang Rai 7 days, organized by Autour Asia,
Thailand Travel Agency in December 2024, and I want to share this incredible experience with you. This 7-day trip across Thailand allowed me to discover iconic sites, experience unforgettable adventures, and appreciate Thai culture, cuisine, and hospitality. If you're planning a trip to Thailand, this tour is a perfect option to experience the essence of the country in one week. Here’s an overview of this 7-day tour, day by day, to help you plan your own adventure.
1. Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
The 7-day tour through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai starts as soon as you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Upon arrival, after going through immigration and collecting my luggage, I was warmly greeted by an Autour Asia representative, who guided me to the hotel. The transfer was quick and comfortable, allowing me to start my stay in peace. Once at the hotel, I checked in and had some time to relax after my flight.
In the afternoon, I had the freedom to explore Bangkok at my own pace. Bangkok is a vibrant, dynamic city full of life. I decided to walk through the busy streets, where the scent of spices and Thai dishes fills the air. It's the perfect place to try typical dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum, which you can find at street food stalls. If you're a photography enthusiast, Bangkok is an amazing place to capture fascinating moments. I also took a moment to stop at a local café and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before continuing my exploration of the city. This first day was a great way to immerse myself in Thai culture, and it served as a beautiful introduction before visiting more famous sites.
2. Day 2: Discovering the Temples of Bangkok![]()
On the second day, trip Bangkok Chiang Mai Chiang Rai 7 days allowed me to visit some of the most iconic sites in the capital. In the morning, we began with Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha. This temple houses a 3-meter-tall, 5-tonne solid gold Buddha statue. It’s an incredibly moving experience to see this magnificent statue up close, as it embodies the richness of Thai culture and spirituality.
Next, we headed to Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn), another iconic temple in Bangkok. The view from the temple is spectacular, and its imposing silhouette dominates the Chao Phraya River. In the morning, the light on the temple's architecture, with its towers decorated with mosaics, is simply magical.
In the afternoon, we visited Wat Pho, home to the famous Reclining Buddha. This Buddha, 46 meters long, is truly breathtaking. The temple also houses a traditional Thai massage school, and if you're interested, you can even enjoy a massage after your visit. The Grand Royal Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) were also on the agenda. This majestic site is a must-see in Bangkok, with its refined architecture, lush gardens, and detailed decorative elements. I was struck by the beauty of the mix between traditional Thai architecture and European influences, reflecting the country’s complex history.
I highly recommend wearing comfortable, covered clothing, as the day of visits can be long, and bringing water to stay hydrated.
3. Day 3: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market
On the third day, we headed to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, about 1.5 hours from Bangkok. This market is one of the most famous in Thailand, and it’s easy to see why. I boarded a small boat that allowed us to cruise along the canals lined with floating stalls. It’s a colorful, noisy, but extremely lively place where you can buy fresh fruit, handmade souvenirs, or sample local dishes. If you love photography, it’s a perfect spot to capture vibrant scenes of Thai life.
In the afternoon, we continued our adventure with a visit to the Maeklong Railway Market, a truly unique market. This market is located on a railway track, and the vendors have to fold up their stalls each time a train passes by, creating a surprising spectacle. Seeing the trains pass so close to the stalls is quite a thrilling experience.
After this visit, we had free time to explore Bangkok further, and if you like, you can take a stroll through the local streets to buy souvenirs or just wander around.
4. Day 4: Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep - Khantoke Dinner
The next day, I flew to Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand, the perfect place to relax after the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Upon arrival, we visited Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a magnificent temple located at the top of a mountain. This sacred site offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It’s an important place for Thais, and the climb up the stairs to reach the temple is a very spiritual experience.
In the evening, I attended the traditional Khantoke dinner, a typical meal from northern Thailand. This dinner consists of several dishes served on a platter, such as sticky rice, curry, sautéed vegetables, and grilled meats. During the meal, traditional folk dances from hill tribes were performed. It was a beautiful experience to discover the local culture while enjoying delicious food.
5. Day 5: Mae Tang Trekking and Elephant Care
On the fifth day, we headed to the Mae Tang region, known for its lush landscapes and ecological activities. We started with a visit to an elephant camp where I had the opportunity to feed and bathe the elephants in the river. Learning to care for these majestic animals was a moving and educational experience.
In the afternoon, we took a trek through the forest to reach a waterfall where we could cool off. The jungle trek was enjoyable, and the cool water of the waterfall was a real treat after the heat. Then, we continued with a rafting activity on the Mae Tang River. It’s a great way to discover the natural beauty of the region while having an exciting experience.
6. Day 6: Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai
On the sixth day, we visited the Golden Triangle, an iconic place where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. We explored the Mae Sai market, a border market where you can find a wide variety of products, from clothes to spices to handcrafted items. It’s a fascinating place to buy souvenirs or just observe the daily life of the locals.
We also visited the Opium House, a museum that tells the story of opium in this historic Golden Triangle region. The exhibition is informative and helps to understand the impact of opium in this once-strategic area. It was a very interesting visit for those interested in the history of this region.
7. Day 7: Exploring Chiang Mai and Departure
On the final day, I had some free time to explore Chiang Mai before taking my return flight. I visited a few night markets where you can find local handmade items like jewelry, wood sculptures, and traditional Thai clothing. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs.
In the afternoon, I took the final transfer to the airport for my return flight, concluding this unforgettable experience.
This trip Bangkok Chiang Mai Chiang Rai 7 days allowed me to experience Thailand from various perspectives: cultural, natural, and historical. Autour Asia perfectly organized this trip, balancing cultural visits, nature adventures, and culinary discoveries. If you want to explore Thailand in depth, this tour is an excellent option that will provide you with an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Autour Asia - your trusted
Thailand travel agency. Our expert travel consultants are ready to offer personalized advice and insider tips to help you plan the perfect adventure.
Is it safe to take babies to Thailand?
Traveling to Thailand with a baby can be an enjoyable and safe experience if you take the necessary precautions. Before departure, it is important to consult a pediatrician to ensure that your baby is up-to-date with vaccinations and to discuss preventive measures against local diseases. It is also essential to ensure that your baby stays hydrated, to choose safe foods, and to opt for bottled water. Regarding transportation, although the country offers many travel options, it is advisable to verify that the chosen methods are baby-friendly, especially for car or taxi rides. Finally, by selecting accommodations and tourist attractions that are suitable for children, you can fully enjoy the beauty and culture of Thailand while ensuring your baby's comfort and safety.
How many days are enough for Thailand?
The number of days needed to visit Thailand depends on what you want to explore, but in general, a 10 to 14-day stay is ideal for discovering the main attractions. This allows you to spend a few days in Bangkok exploring its temples and markets, visit Chiang Mai for its mountains and temples, and enjoy the paradisiacal beaches in the south, such as Phuket or Koh Samui. If you have less time, a week might be enough for a more condensed visit, focusing on the nearby sites. However, the longer you stay, the more time you'll have to deeply explore the culture, landscapes, and local life.